“You...”She spoke briefly before forcing herself to stop.Her quiet voice contrasted with Lyla’s loud enthusiasm as she exclaimed, “Chiara, Theodore, I made your favorite fish and chips today! Try them and tell me how they taste!”Chiara took a deep breath and decided to wait until they finished eating before questioning them.Theodore said excitedly, “Oh, that sounds delicious. Let me try!”Despite having no appetite, Chiara forced herself to eat because she did not want Theodore and Lyla to go hungry that night.After pushing herself to finish the meal, she calmly set down her utensils and observed her parents as they wiped their mouths with napkins.Her expression became stern as she said seriously, “I have something to ask you.”Theodore and Lyla glanced at her with puzzled expressions. Lyla frowned and asked, “What’s wrong? Why so serious?”Chiara ignored Lyla and directed her gaze solely at Theodore. “What has been happening recently? How long do you plan to keep hiding
Chiara took a deep breath as her frustration became more apparent. “Why are you still keeping things from me? Do you think I’m immature and that I’ll eventually reveal the secrets? Or do you doubt my ability to handle these matters or find solutions? Regardless, we are a family. I’m your only child. Why won’t you just share these matters with me? Let me help shoulder the burden with you!“Don’t keep things from me just to protect me. It’s unfair to me! You might think you’re protecting me, but all you’re doing is deceiving me!”Chiara was noticeably louder than before. She looked profoundly aggrieved.Theodore’s expression changed as he sighed helplessly, “What’s it going to take for you to trust us?!”Chiara shook her head in disbelief and looked at them incredulously. “I’ve told you so much! Yet you’re still keeping secrets from me!”Lyla quickly intervened, “Chiara, calm down. It’s not about hiding things from you or not. We’re genuinely puzzled by what you’re saying. Why would
Chiara was too smart. Even if she remained unaware of the matter, Ivanka would eventually tell her everything and possibly even exaggerate it, which would only agitate Chiara further!At that moment, Theodore shared the same thoughts. His expression darkened. He was unable to refute anything.Chiara realized that her guess was spot on!She fervently wished she had been mistaken!However, Theodore’s expression confirmed it enough. He had sold the houses and liquidated all assets just to hire someone to breach Barkworth’s Group’s secrets. Unfortunately, they failed at the final stage and lost the money. Chiara’s eyes twitched as tears streamed down her cheeks.Lyla quickly grabbed her hand and comforted her, “Chiara, calm down. No matter what, your father is still the chairman of Lane’s Group. In just a short time, he was already stacked with assets. He’ll earn them back in no time!”Chiara continued to sob as she smiled bitterly. “Earn them back? Since Ivanka knows about this, t
“Why did you do it? Our family was doing great, but you ruined it! Michael surely knew it was your doing. Have you ever thought about what comes next?”She inquired with the company’s employees earlier in the office. They seemed unusually quiet, so she could not find out anything. This only meant that Theodore had not dared to tell anyone. Otherwise, Lane’s Group would already be in a panic.Theodore took a deep breath, put his hands down, and said helplessly, “I messed up, I know. But what’s done is done. We need to keep moving forward, Chiara. I understand your concerns, but Barkworth’s Group hasn’t acted against us yet. Do you honestly think it’s because Michael is too busy?”Chiara was taken aback. She instinctively looked at him. “What do you mean?”“He’s not looking to mess with Lane’s Group.”Lyla also looked at him with doubt. “Why not?”“It’s because we’re still cooperating with him. He can’t make a move right now.”Chiara, who was just starting to feel a little hope, p
Lyla’s expression changed instantly!The mysterious person who contacted Chiara was plotting to kill Ivanka! If Ivanka were to die, Lane’s Group would be in trouble!Lyla started to panic.Theodore looked puzzled as he asked them, “What are you talking about?”Lyla had never told Theodore about the mysterious person because she did not want him to get involved, mainly to avoid his interference in this matter.She was afraid that Theodore might contact that mysterious person again.Before she could think too much about it, Chiara directly explained the situation to him.Theodore was stunned. He frowned and said in a low voice, “You’re actually involved with someone in this kind of scheme?!” Chiara pursed her lips and stayed silent.Lyla said helplessly, “We couldn’t clear Chiara’s suspicion at that time. If it weren’t for that person, Chiara would still be hiding in the mental hospital. Do you want our daughter to continue living in that kind of situation?”Theodore frowned eve
Ivanka smiled nonchalantly and said, “Who knows?”“Tsk, he’s gutsy! That explains his round belly.”Ivanka chuckled and did not say anything, while Sandy could not help but laugh. “They must be feeling pretty miserable right now. They hate you to the core and have been scheming to get rid of you, but now they have to hold back without touching a single hair on your head.”Sandy saw through the situation immediately. If Ivanka were eliminated, Michael would definitely not indulge in them anymore.Without Ivanka providing benefits to Barkworth’s Group, Lane’s Group would have no reason to exist!Ivanka smirked. “You’re so smart, bestie.”“Of course. Otherwise, how could I be your bestie?”Ivanka could not help but smile. “Even if you’re silly, you’re still my bestie.”Michael heard those words as soon as he walked in. The look on his handsome face darkened a little as his sharp gaze landed on the door of her room.Sandy, with her back to the door, could not help but feel a chill
Sandy stood trembling on the side and watched in terror. When she saw the sight of Ivanka’s still bloody and unhealed wound, she went pale. She did not expect it to be so serious!Besides, it had been a whole day and night, her wound was still so severe!At that moment, Sandy felt so bad for Ivanka. Her earlier carefree demeanor had vanished entirely.Looking at the grotesque wound, Sandy felt a pang of heartache like never before. That back was supposed to be smooth and pristine, without a single flaw, but now...When the doctor was treating Ivanka’s wound, she had intended to distract her as she was worried that she would be in too much pain. However, when she displayed such remarkable endurance to pain at such a young age unflinchingly, the doctor stopped worrying and began carefully tending to Ivanka’s wound.The doctor’s precise technique and swift movements spared Ivanka from a lot of pain. It was not until all her wounds were treated that she straightened up and gave Ivanka
She was already injured. Besides, those people were after her. If she went out again, they might attack again. It would not be conducive to the inspection. So, Michael had to go alone.Michael said indifferently, “I went to the police station today and made a contribution.”Ivanka’s eyes flickered with understanding.She nodded. “Right, that’s the right thing to do.”She figured out what Michael was up to. Waterbridge was a great scenic area and should indeed be developed. In that case, it should not remain the same as it used to be.This area did not really belong to this country, so the order was somewhat lax. The country would only try to gradually bring it under control.They had to improve the security here and bring some order.“So, how long do you think we’ll need to stay here?”“Until you’re fully recovered.”Ivanka was a little stunned. “That’s not necessary. I can move freely now. We can go back anytime.”Michael snorted. He had just said she was pushing herself, an
Ivanka understood everything just by looking at Stella’s expression.The drinks and pastries had to be the problem. The weakness and fatigue people were experiencing must have come from consuming them. She tested them with a test strip right away.As expected, they had been poisoned.She had not eaten anything, so she was fine. But she was unsure about Vincenzo, so she checked on him immediately. Thankfully, he was unharmed.Stella let out a deep breath.Before she could say anything, Vincenzo scolded her. “You ran back here and left Njord alone? Hurry up and get back there!”“Yes, Boss!”Stella responded quickly and ran off.Ivanka was about to speak when Michael and Evan rushed in.Michael looked anxious and was breathing heavily.Just like Stella, he was panicking.“Come here. Let me check.” Ivanka nodded at him. She knew how stubborn he was.Michael pursed his lips together and hesitated.But Ivanka had already stepped forward and checked on him. His pulse was weakenin
Vincenzo immediately noticed Michael putting some distance between them.It was not out of fear but respect for Vincenzo’s status. After all, he was Ivanka’s only family.Ivanka walked straight to Vincenzo without sparing Michael a glance.Michael could only stand there and watch her leave.Back at their spot, Vincenzo remained silent. Ivanka, however, felt uneasy.She had only gone to the restroom and had not expected to run into Michael.After some thought, she decided to explain.“Uncle, I didn’t go looking for him.”“You don’t need to explain. Even if you did, that’s your choice. I’ve said what I needed to. The decision is yours.”His tone was calm, but to Ivanka, it sounded like he was upset.She wanted to say more, but Vincenzo spoke first. “Don’t blame yourself. I’m not angry. Once the banquet is over, take a few days to rest. Then we’ll head out.”“Alright.”Since he had already said that, there was nothing more to say.Caeser had hosted the banquet to trigger inte
Ivanka saw the grin on Michael’s face and immediately let go of his arm. Her expression darkened with displeasure.Michael looked like he was enjoying her frustration.“I’m not,” he denied at once, quickly adding, “I’m happy because you pulled me away. It shows you care.”Ivanka was speechless.She looked at his smiling face and shook her head. “I just didn’t want you getting into a fight with Mr. George right now. If something happened to you while I was there, I couldn’t just leave. And if I didn’t, that would make me responsible for you.”Michael frowned. “Do you really think I’m that useless?”He had fought Mr. George before and never even saw him as a threat. There was no way someone like that could take him down.“That’s not the point. Mr. George isn’t alone, but you are. This isn’t your territory, Michael. And don’t forget, the drug in your system hasn’t fully cleared, and your gunshot wound—”He cut her off before she could finish.“That injury was a long time ago. I’m
Ivanka had never revealed her identity as Violet Cress. How did Mr. George figure it out just from her treating Caeser?“Mr. Ali, I only gave Mr. Hicks a few herbal prescriptions. It was nothing special.”“Caeser has plenty of skilled doctors, yet none of them could fix his condition. You did so effortlessly. That says a lot. Anyone who can earn his trust must be exceptionally capable. Ms. Ivanka, the Ganoderma Nebula is not something just anyone can use properly, nor does everyone have your level of confidence.”At first, Mr. George had not suspected anything. But after learning about the legendary medical expert, Violet Cress, he started making connections. She was well known by reputation, yet no one had ever seen her face. He had looked into her background and found that she was probably not elderly.There was also the Ganoderma Nebula.So, he made an educated guess.Looking at Ivanka’s calm reaction, he was even more convinced. When he first mentioned it, there had been a fl
A teasing voice broke the moment, interrupting Ivanka and Michael.They turned to look.Standing before them was none other than Mr. George. It had been a while since they last saw him.Michael narrowed his eyes. He had not expected him to show up at Caeser’s banquet.“What? Didn’t learn your lesson last time?” His tone was cold and sharp.As he spoke, he stepped forward. He simultaneously shielded Ivanka behind him.They knew they were in Mirvania, and Vincenzo was nearby. No matter what Mr. George was planning, he would not dare make a move under Vincenzo’s watch.Still, Michael’s reaction was instinctive.“No hard feelings, right? Isn’t this how friendships start?” Mr. George replied indifferently. He stepped to the side and looked at Ivanka.“Friends?” Ivanka let out a sharp laugh. “Be honest, Mr. George. Do you really think we could ever be friends?”She had taken the Ganoderma Nebula. He had tried to steal it by sending his men. She had turned five of them against him a
Ivanka tried to step aside, but Michael blocked her path.The acrid smell of smoke hit her.She instinctively covered her nose and mouth.Michael saw her reaction and put out his cigarette.“If I talk through a third party and they can’t get my point across to my subordinates, wouldn’t it be better to handle it myself?”Ivanka frowned. “Is this really the time to talk about this?”She thought about pushing him away, but she decided against it.“I know it’s not. I also know you did all that to make me give up. But I won’t. It will just hurt.”His voice was hoarse and tinged with sorrow.He looked heartbroken.If this had been before, she might have felt bad for him. But at that moment, she felt nothing. She said calmly, “That’s your problem, not mine. If you want to keep getting knocked out and run around like this, be my guest.”She stepped forward and pulled out her phone.Michael knew exactly what she meant. If he kept blocking her way, she would call Njord, Stella, and t
“Alright, go back to the casino and wait for my order.”The fight between Tanya and Blake had revealed how fragile their relationship was. If Tanya thought the stranger she met at the party was reliable, she would try to leave Blake.She would have thought that she had gotten her freedom. But in fact, it was just another circle of hell awaiting her.By then, Tanya would suffer a worse fate than death.That was what Ivanka wanted to see.After all, Tanya had disguised herself as Ivanka and put a stain on her reputation for a time. Moreover, Tanya was still planning to come after her and Michael.Ivanka would not intervene in the feud between Tanya and Michael, but since she had run into Tanya at the party, she would like to settle the score between her and Tanya.“That’s your plan?”As Ivanka hung up, Vincent could not help frowning.He knew what she was up to when she had asked Njord to assign the job to a man.But the progress was too slow!Ivanka nodded with a smile. “Yeah
Tanya was not a fool.Seeing Tanya’s reaction, the man smiled calmly and said, “Seriously? He’s just your boyfriend. He can’t possibly stop you from making friends, right?”Tanya ignored him and kept walking.She reached a junction and took out her phone to book a ride. But the Hicks family’s mansion was on the hillside. Moreover, Caeser had contacted the Ministry of Transport to impose traffic control in the area. Apart from those who attended the party, no one else’s vehicle was allowed to enter.Seeing that there was not a single car around, Tanya had no choice but to walk down the hill.Blake had told her to get lost, so she would not go back to the mansion to ask for his help.She walked for about five minutes. High heels were not made for long-distance walks, and she was in a long evening gown. She held a little purse that contained her phone, lipstick, a small packet of tissues, and nothing else. Worse still, she could not tear off the long hem of her gown.Tanya had no c
What Blake said struck a chord with Tanya.Her expression was cold, and the look in her eyes was vicious.She did not even love Blake, so everything he did had nothing to do with her. She did not care if he was involved with other women.“Do you have anything else to say? I don’t think I need to be at this party for long.” Tanya averted her gaze so that she did not have to look Blake in the eye.She had made her point clear. If he did not need her around, she would take her leave for the night.Naturally, Blake knew what she meant to say.“Get lost then!”He yelled at Tanya right away. She did not even spare him a look before lifting the hem of her dress, turning around, and walking away.Blake’s voice was filled with disgust, hatred, and rage. But Tanya could not care less about how he felt.She had come to the party with Blake, who arranged their ride. The Hicks, who organized this party, had prepared a parking lot for the guests. There were cars arranged neatly across the p